Found Item – USO Commemorative Silver Dollar Brochure

It’s fun to find bits of history when going through collections.

Actually, today’s find, a brochure, promotes the USO 50th Anniversary Silver Dollar coin and provides the order form and envelope for sending the order to the US Mint.

The front of the brochure shows images of the USO Commemorative Silver Dollar:

USO Commemorative Silver Dollar Brochure front

The opposite side of the folded brochure is the front of the envelope addressed to the US Mint:

USO Commemorative Silver Dollar Brochure back

Opening the brochure, the left side, which is the back of the decorative front, gives the instructions and purchasing information for the proof and uncirculated versions of the USO Commemorative Silver Dollar. At the time of issue, the proof dollar was $31 and the uncirculated coin was $26.

The Mint advised that orders would begin shipping in August 1991.

The order form could be removed at the perforation and be inserted in the envelope on the right.

USO Commemorative Silver Dollar Brochure inside

The right side which forms the back of the envelope provided the US Mint’s sales pitch for the USO Commemorative Silver Dollar:

Q: Why buy a USO Coin?

A: As a coin collector, the USO 50th Anniversary Silver Dollar is important to you because it is:

  • Struck and sold by the United States Mint
  • Legal tender
  • Low mintage
  • 90% silver
  • Offered in mirror-like proof and satin-finish uncirculated versions
  • Congressionally mandated
  • Beautifully packaged
  • An historic collectible

A: As a patriot, the USO 50th Anniversary Silver Dollar is important because a portion of the proceeds from each coin will go to the USO to fund:

  • Fleet centers
  • Intercultural programs
  • Celebrity entertainment
  • Airport centers
  • Orientation programs
  • Family and community centers

A: As both a patriot and a coin collector, the USO 50th Anniversary Silver Dollar is important because it is:

  • A perfect gift for a friend or relative
  • A perfect complement to you US commemoratives collection
  • A memento of an eventful year
  • Official, with a Certificate of Authenticity
  • Commemorating a 50-year tradition of service to others
  • Keeping the USO alive for all those who bravely serve our nation

Why buy a USO coin? The answer is clear! Purchase your USO Silver Dollar today!

Coin specifications: Weight: 26.73 grams. Composition: 90% Silver (.76 troy ounce), 10% Copper.  Mint and Mint mark: Proof, San Francisco (“S”), Uncirculated, Denver (“D”). Diameter: 1.500 inches.

Coins not shown actual size. Designs depicted are approved USO 50th Anniversary Coins first struck June 1991. Coin designs are subject to minor modification prior to engraving. The U.S. Mint reserves the right to limit quantities and may discontinue accepting orders at any time. Maximum mintage allowed by law: one million.

Even though it is interesting, this brochure with the order form is no longer valid as these coins can no longer be obtained from the US Mint. The coins, however, both proof and uncirculated, still exist and are bought and sold among numismatists and investors.

Let’s take a look at a proof version.

First, the obverse:

USO Commemorative Silver Dollar obverse

Next, the reverse:

USO Commemorative Silver Dollar reverse

The USO 50th Anniversary Silver Dollar coin’s obverse and reverse designs are still beautiful today. In addition, the coin with its low mintage (~125k uncirculated and ~322k proof) and its silver content retains value 20 years later.

Not to forget, the coin continues to remind us of the importance of the USO to our armed services around the world.